News & Updates from Federation

Israel & the United States at War with Iran Special Update

Wednesday, March 4

Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)

As the war with Iran continues, Federation remains closely connected with partners across Israel and the broader Federation network. We will continue sharing updates, briefings, and recordings as new information becomes available.

An Update on Our Response in Israel

Monday, March 2

Robin Hettleman Weinberg, President and Gil Preuss, CEO, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

As war with Iran escalates and Israeli families return to bomb shelters, Federation stands firmly with Israel—allocating $250,000 for urgent relief, reinforcing community security through JShield, and mobilizing long-term support in close coordination with partners on the ground.

Purim Joy Means No One is Left Behind

Friday, February 27

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

Purim calls us not only to celebration, but to give directly to those in need. Through $1.85M in funding, Federation provides critical relief, dignity, and hope to those facing hardship.

Four Years In, Our Responsibility Remains

Tuesday, February 24

Four years into the war in Ukraine, intensified attacks continue to disrupt daily life—yet Jewish life endures. Through Federation’s global partners, nearly 57,000 vulnerable Jews have received care, while thousands engage in Jewish Agency programs, camps, and Aliyah preparation.

Eight Weeks. 100 points. A Whole New Financial Future.

Monday, February 23

After eight weeks at Tzedek DC’s Financial Empowerment Program, 98% of participants made tangible financial changes—from raising credit scores by 100 points to paying down debt—gaining not just stability, but lasting confidence with support from Federation investment.

A Defining Year of Jewish Giving

Monday, February 23

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

In a year that tested our resilience, 6,600 donors mobilized $68.6M through The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Annual Campaign and Jewish Community Foundation—strengthening Jewish life, expanding security, and building a more connected, resilient Jewish future.

Disagreement Need Not Mean Distance

Friday, February 20

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

Amid political polarization, antisemitism, and deepening debates about Israel, Federation reflects on what we owe our community now—building durable bridges, engaging the full range of voices, and strengthening connection to Jewish life, Israel, and one another.

How should Jewish organizations respond to the growing criticism of Israel from inside our communities?

Friday, February 20

New surveys from Jewish Federations of North America and Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston reveal widening divides over Zionism, especially among younger Jews — prompting a call for expansive, inclusive Zionism that embraces debate while reaffirming commitment to a Jewish and democratic Israel.

From Fragmentation to Framework: A Regional Leadership Conversation

Thursday, February 19

Lois Kimmel, Director of Convening, Leadership and Learning

As leaders navigate belonging and boundaries, safety and pluralism, Federation and the Shalom Hartman Institute convened more than 60 senior and emerging leaders for a candid conversation on holding complexity with clarity to strengthen Jewish life across Greater Washington.

Disability Inclusion Is a Journey: Partnering to Expand Access and Belonging at the Capital Jewish Museum

Thursday, February 19

Lisa Handelman, Director, Inclusion & Belonging

On September 12, 2025, the Federation’s Disability Inclusion Advisory Group visited the Capital Jewish Museum, engaging in thoughtful dialogue to strengthen access and belonging across Jewish institutions in Greater Washington and advance inclusion as a shared community value.

Strengthening Jewish Life While Confronting Hate

Friday, February 13

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

Responding to Bret Stephens’ State of World Jewry address at 92NY, this reflection explores whether the Jewish community should prioritize fighting antisemitism or investing in Jewish education—arguing that we must strengthen Jewish identity and joy while also confronting hate head-on.

Where Jewish Belonging Takes Root, for Generations

Wednesday, February 11

Through a new endowment with the Jewish Community Foundation, Rhea Schwartz is investing in Jewish summer camp—helping more children experience the belonging that shaped her life and ensuring camps remain safe, welcoming spaces for generations to come.

From Intention to Action: What JDAIM Is Teaching Our Community About Inclusion

Tuesday, February 10

Lisa Handelman, Director, Inclusion & Belonging

This JDAIM, we reflect on how Jewish organizations are moving from good intentions to sustainable systems of inclusion for young adults with disabilities—turning learning into action across the region.

Reclaiming Agency, Together

Friday, February 6

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

After a recent trip to Israel, Gil reflects on a shared sense of powerlessness felt by Israelis, Palestinians, and many in our own community—and argues that reclaiming personal and collective agency is essential to pushing forward and strengthening Jewish life in uncertain times.

First to Go Out, Last to Return

Monday, February 2

Udi Eitan, Associate Director for Israel Engagement

Rani Gvili, a 24-year-old Israeli hero, gave his life defending Kibbutz Alumim on October 7. Months later, he was finally brought home—marking the end of an excruciating chapter for Israel, the hostages’ families, and Jewish communities worldwide who fought tirelessly for their return.

Finding Light: Ori’s Journey as a Shlicha in Greater Washington

Monday, February 2

Ori, a Federation shlicha (Israeli emissary), brings Israel to life for kids and families across Greater Washington with honesty and heart—sharing its complexities, creativity, and joy through Federation’s Shlichim Program and hands-on educational experiences.

When hate tried to destroy, you helped rebuild

Monday, February 2

After an antisemitic arson attack at Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, 222 donors from Greater Washington raised nearly $35,000 to support its restoration—proving the enduring strength of collective giving and Jewish community resilience.

A Reflection from Israel

Friday, January 30

Robin Hettleman Weinberg, President, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

Standing in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square as the final hostage was returned, Federation’s president reflects on resilience, sorrow, and the healing work supported by our community and partners across Israel.